Chief Executive Josef Ackermann struggled to make himself heard as protestors outside and shareholders inside vented their anger over Deutsche Bank's leadership vacuum, legal issues and business practices. Shareholders of the flagship lender, gathered in Frankfurt for its annual general meeting at the Frankfurt fair and exhibition centre on Thursday as the bank attempted to underline its achievements and shed light on its plans.
Ackermann had to wait until security staff evicted one ponytailed female protestor clad in bright socks who had attempted to interrupt his speech with a tin whistle and two others who had tried to unfurl a banner, before launching a staunch defence of Deutsche's achievements.
Even conservative shareholders expressed their frustration. Klaus Nieding from DSW, the association of private investors urged the bank to settle the succession issue quickly: "I hope you find the right candidate. You should end the speculation." But Deutsche Bank's supervisory board chairman Clemens Boersig did not provide any guidance on progress finding a successor for Ackermann, beyond reiterating the bank was following an "orderly process" that any developments will be communicated at the "appropriate time".